SMCISD teacher with children on the first day of school.

San Marcos CISD ends mask mandate

March 8, 2022

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Sierra Martin | Managing Editor

The San Marcos CISD Board of Trustees have voted to end the mask mandate they have had in the district since Aug. 12, 2021. San Marcos CISD recommends but does not require the use of face coverings, effective Tuesday, March 8, 2022.

“The mask mandate worked when vaccines were not available for all students and helped students and staff weather the Delta and Omicron surges,” SMCISD Chief of Communications Andrew Fernandez said. “Now that guidance from public health experts is changing, we need to update our protocols.”

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) unveiled a new tool called COVID-19 Community Levels that sorts counties into high, medium, and low-risk categories by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases.

According to SMCISD, Hays County is a low-risk county under the new CDC guidelines. Recommendations for low-risk counties do not include masking, just staying up to date on vaccinations and being tested if you show symptoms. The CDC still recommends masking for anyone who is not vaccinated.

“Masks are one layer of protection along with staying up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccine, getting tested, and staying home when you’re sick. Together we have made it through this pandemic with grace, resilience, and a strong commitment to our community. The pandemic is not over, but we will continue working together to keep each other safe and to support all students,” said Fernandez.